Podiatrists
SOC Code: 29-1081Also known as:
Attending Physician, Chiropodist, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery (DPM and Surgery), Doctor of Podiatry
Median Annual Salary
$152,800
+1.8% growth (2024-2034)
300
Openings/Year
10K
Current Jobs
What Podiatrists Do
Diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.
💰 Salary
$152,800
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+1.8%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
300
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Internship/residency
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
9,700
Projected Employment (2034)
9,900
Related Careers
Dermatologists
N/A •
+6.4% growth
Physicians, all other
N/A •
+2.5% growth
Ophthalmologists, except pediatric
N/A •
+4.3% growth
Orthopedic surgeons, except pediatric
N/A •
+4.1% growth
Pediatric surgeons
N/A •
+1.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Active Learning
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Treat bone, muscle, and joint disorders affecting the feet and ankles.
- Diagnose diseases and deformities of the foot using medical histories, physical examinations, x-rays, and laboratory test results.
- Advise patients about treatments and foot care techniques necessary for prevention of future problems.
- Prescribe medications, corrective devices, physical therapy, or surgery.
- Surgically treat conditions such as corns, calluses, ingrown nails, tumors, shortened tendons, bunions, cysts, or abscesses.
- Refer patients to physicians when symptoms indicative of systemic disorders, such as arthritis or diabetes, are observed in feet and legs.
- Make and fit prosthetic appliances.
- Correct deformities by means of plaster casts and strapping.
- Perform administrative duties, such as hiring employees, ordering supplies, or keeping records.
- Educate the public about the benefits of foot care through techniques such as speaking engagements, advertising, and other forums.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Doctoral Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Podiatrists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a podiatrists:
Podiatric Medicine/Podiatry
569 degrees awarded •
9 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Podiatrists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become podiatrists.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Temple University | Philadelphia, PA | 84 | B |
| 2 | Kent State University at Kent | Kent, OH | 98 | C+ |
| 3 | Barry University | Miami, FL | 59 | C+ |
| 4 | Midwestern University-Glendale | Glendale, AZ | 35 | C+ |
| 5 | New York College of Podiatric Medicine | New York, NY | 82 | C |
| 6 | Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science | North Chicago, IL | 80 | C |
| 7 | Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical Center | West Des Moines, IA | 53 | C |
| 8 | Samuel Merritt University | Oakland, CA | 41 | C |
| 9 | Western University of Health Sciences | Pomona, CA | 37 | C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do podiatrists make?
The median annual salary for podiatrists is $152,800.
What education do podiatrists need?
Most podiatrists positions require a doctoral or professional degree.
Common degree programs include Podiatric Medicine/Podiatry.
Is becoming podiatrists a good career choice?
Podiatrists is projected to see +1.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for podiatrists?
Top colleges for aspiring podiatrists include
Temple University, Kent State University at Kent, Barry University, Midwestern University-Glendale, New York College of Podiatric Medicine.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to podiatrists?
Podiatrists may also be known as: Attending Physician, Chiropodist, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery (DPM and Surgery), Doctor of Podiatry, Doctor Podiatric Medicine (DPM), Foot and Ankle Surgeon, Foot Doctor, Foot Orthopedist, Foot Roentgenologist, Foot Specialist, Orthopedic Podiatrist, Physician, Podiatric Medicine Doctor (DPM), Podiatric Physician, Podiatric Surgeon, Podiatrist, Podiatry Doctor (DP), Pododermatologist.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.